Hawaiian Airlines is a major carrier that operates flights to and from Hawaii and has an extensive baggage policy in place for both carry-on and checked luggage.
In this post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the Hawaiian Airlines baggage policy, including information on the size, weight, fees, restrictions, and other important details that you need to know before packing for your next trip.
Baggage Allowance and Fee Summary
If you are after a brief overview of Hawaiian Airlines’ checked baggage policy, this section is for you. Hawaiian’s checked baggage rules and fees are consistent with most other airlines.
Carry-on Baggage Allowance
- 1 free personal item
- 1 free carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches, 25 lb.)
Standard Checked Bag Limits
- Maximum size: 62 in
- Maximum weight: 50 lb.
Standard Checked Bag Fees
| Checked Bags | Within Hawaii | All Other Domestic Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Bag 1 | $25 | $30 |
| Bag 2 | $35 | $40 |
| Bags 3 – 10 Bags | $50 each | $100 each |
| Oversize bags (62 in – 80 in) | $35 | $100 |
| Overweight bags (51 lb. – 70 lb.) | $35 | $50 |
| Overweight bags (71 lb. 100 lb.) | $70 | $200 |
Carry-on Baggage Allowance and Policy
Each passenger is allowed to bring one free carry-on bag and one free personal item on board the aircraft.
Personal Item
Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t explicitly specify measurement limits for your personal items. The only stated size requirement is that it must be able to fit safely under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items include:
- A purse
- Briefcase
- Small backpack
Carry-on Bag
The carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. It must be able to fit into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Additionally, your carry-on bag cannot weigh more than 25 pounds (11 kilograms).
Free Extra Carry-on Items
In addition to the carry-on bag and personal item, you’re allowed to bring the following items on board the aircraft:
- Jacket or coat
- Umbrella
- Reading material
- Assistive devices such as crutches, canes, or walkers
- Child restraint seat or stroller (only one per child)
Restricted Items in Carry-on
There are certain items that are not allowed in carry-on baggage due to safety concerns. These items include:
- Firearms and ammunition
- Explosives and flammable substances
- Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, and razor blades
- Liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml): these containers must all fit in1 quart-sized resealable transparent plastic bag.
Carry-on Baggage Fees
Hawaiian Airlines does not charge any fees for carry-on baggage. However, if your carry-on bag exceeds the size or weight limits, you may be required to check it in and pay the applicable checked baggage fees.
Checked Baggage Allowance
Checked Bag Size Limit
A standard checked bag’s maximum size is 62 linear inches (157 centimeters). This is calculated by measuring the bags outside length, width, and height and adding these measurements together. Be sure to include any protruding wheels, handles, or straps in your measurements.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
A standard checked bag’s maximum weight is 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms).
You can check bags beyond these limits, but you will be subject to oversize and/or overweight fees.
Checked Baggage Fees
Hawaiian Airlines calculates checked bag fees based on your flight itinerary:
- Routes entirely within Hawaii
- Domestic routes not entirely within Hawaii
Also, checked bag fees are cumulative – for example, if a checked bag is oversize and overweight, both oversize and overweight fees would apply.
Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, and assistive devices can be checked in for free.
Standard Checked Bag Fees
For checked bags that are no larger than 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) or heavier than 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms), the following fees apply.
Itineraries entirely within Hawaii
| Bag Fee | |
|---|---|
| First Bag | $25 |
| Second Bag | $35 |
| Bags 3 to 10 | $50 each |
Domestic itineraries not entirely within Hawaii
| Bag Fee | |
|---|---|
| First Bag | $30 |
| Second Bag | $40 |
| Bags 3 to 10 | $100 each |
Oversized Bag Fees
If your checked bag is larger than 62 linear inches (157 centimeters), you will be subject to an extra oversize fee.
For bags larger than 62 linear inches but not greater than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters), the following fee applies, based on your itinerary:
| Itinerary | Oversized Bag Fee (62 in to 80 in) |
|---|---|
| Flights entirely within Hawaii | +$35 |
| Domestic flights beyond Hawaii | +$100 |
Hawaiian Airlines will not accept bags larger than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) for checked in.
Exception: Specific sports equipment and musical instruments larger than 80 linear inches can be checked in.
Overweight Bag Fees
If your bag weighs more than 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms), you will be subject to an extra overweight fee.
| Itinerary | Overweight Bag Fee (51 to 70 lb.) | Overweight Bag Fee (71 to 100 lb.) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights entirely within Hawaii | +$35 | +$70 |
| Domestic flights beyond Hawaii | +$50 | +$100 |
Bags heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) will not be accepted for checked in.
Baggage Fees on Long Layovers
If you are flying on an itinerary which includes a connection of more than 4 hours, you will have to reclaim your checked bags and recheck them for your connecting flight. You will also have to pay for any applicable baggage fees to check your bags, even if you had paid baggage fees for your earlier flight.
Free Checked Bags
Mobility and Assistive Devices
Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, canes, and crutches can be checked as baggage free of charge. These items do not affect your checked baggage allowance.
If you are traveling with a child that uses assistive devices, they can be checked in free of charge. You are allowed to check 1 each of the following items:
- 1 stroller
- 1 booster seat
- 1 child restraint seat
Free Checked Bags in First Class
If you are traveling in First Class, you can check up to 2 bags for free.
Free Checked Bags for Pulani Elite Members
| Pulani Elite Status | Free Bag Allowance |
|---|---|
| Pulani Gold | 2 |
| Pulani Platinum | 3 |
Free Checked Bags for Premier Club Members
Premier Club members can check up to 2 bags at no charge.
Free Checked Bags for Military Personnel
Active-duty military personnel traveling on orders, with valid ID, receive the following checked baggage allowances:
- Free checked bags: 5
- Maximum size of each bag: 80 linear inches (203 centimeters)
- Maximum weight of each bag: 70 pounds (31.5 kilograms)
- Dependents of active-duty military personnel traveling on orders, with valid dependent ID, receive the same checked baggage benefits.
Active-duty military personnel with valid ID, traveling on personal business, receive the following checked baggage allowances:
- Free checked bags: 2
- Maximum size of each bag: 62 linear inches (157 centimeters)
- Maximum weight of each bag: 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms)
Pre-Packaged Box of Fruit as Checked Baggage
Hawaiian Airlines offers a unique free checked baggage allowance – you can check in a pre-packaged box of papaya or pineapple at no charge. The free allowance is only available on domestic flights leaving Hawaii.
The box can weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment
All the following sports equipment adheres to Hawaiian Airlines’ standard checked baggage policies, unless otherwise noted.
You should pack all sports equipment in a protective container or case. When measuring or weighing your musical instrument, you need to do so while the item is in its case.
Antlers
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
- Maximum size: 120 linear inches (305 centimeters)
Archery Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Baseball Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Bicycles (non-motorized)
- Bicycles within standard checked bag limits (62 linear inches and 50 pounds) are subject to the standard checked bag fees.
- Boxed bicycles larger than 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) are subject to a “Bicycle Case” fee instead of a standard checked bag fee, based on your itinerary:
- Routes entirely within Hawaii: $35
- Domestic routes not entirely within Hawaii: $100
- Bicycles weighing more than 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms) but no more than 70 pounds (31.5 kilograms) are subject to the following fee, based on your itinerary:
- Routes entirely within Hawaii: $60
- Domestic routes not entirely within Hawaii: $150
- Bicycles weighing more than 70 pounds (31.5 kilograms) but no more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) are subject to the following fee, based on your itinerary:
- Routes entirely within Hawaii: $120
- Domestic routes not entirely within Hawaii: $250
- Bicycles weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) will not be accepted for check in
Boogie Boards
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Bowling Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Canoe Paddles
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Fishing Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
- Fishing gear up to 115 inches (292 centimeters) in length can be checked in as a standard bag, if it is not overweight.
Football Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Golfing Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Hockey Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
- Hockey equipment up to 115 inches (292 centimeters) in length can be checked in as a standard bag, if it is not overweight.
Lacrosse Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
- Lacrosse equipment up to 115 inches (292 centimeters) in length can be checked in as a standard bag if it is not overweight.
Scuba Diving Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
- If you are traveling with a regulator valve:
- The valve must be completely disconnected from the tank.
- The cylinder needs an opening to allow inspection.
Skateboards
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Skiing Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Skim Boards
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Snowboard Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply.
Surfboards, Kiteboards, Paddleboards, and Wakeboards
- Multiple boards packed in the one bag will be considered as one when checking it in
- Sports board bags larger than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) will not be accepted for check-in.
- Sports board bags weighing more than 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms) will not be accepted for check-in.
- The following fee applies in place of standard checked bag fees, based on your itinerary:
- Routes entirely within Hawaii: $35
- Domestic routes not entirely within Hawaii: $100
Tennis Equipment
- Standard checked bag rules and fees apply
Windsurfing Equipment
- Multiple windsurfing equipment packed in one bag will be considered as one piece when checking it in
- A windsurfing equipment bag larger than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) will not be accepted for check in
- A windsurfing equipment bag weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) will not be accepted for check in
- The following fee applies in place of standard checked bag fees, based on your itinerary:
- Routes entirely within Hawaii: $35
- Domestic routes not entirely within Hawaii: $100
Musical Instruments
All musical instruments must be packaged in a protective container or case. When measuring or weighing your musical instrument, you need to do so while the item is contained in its case.
Musical Instruments in Carry-on Baggage
Small musical instruments can be brought on board as carry-on items, irrespective of size. However, if it can’t fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, or there is limited space in the cabin, it must be checked in as baggage.
Musical Instruments in Checked Baggage
Musical instruments that are within standard checked bag limits (62 linear inches and 50 pounds) are subject to the standard checked bag fees.
Oversized and Overweight Fees for Musical Instruments
If your encased musical instrument is beyond the standard checked bag limits (62 linear inches and 50 pounds), the following oversize and overweight fees apply.
Musical Instrument Oversized Fees
For musical instruments larger than 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) but not greater than 150 linear inches (381 centimeters), the following extra fee applies, based on your itinerary:
| Itinerary | Oversized Fee |
|---|---|
| Flights entirely within Hawaii | +$35 |
| Domestic Flights Beyond Hawaii | +$100 |
Musical instruments larger than 150 linear inches (381 centimeters) will not be accepted for checked in.
Musical Instrument Overweight Fees
If your musical instrument is heavier than 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms), it will be subject to an overweight fee, based on your itinerary:
| Itinerary | Overweight Fee (51 to 70 lb.) | Overweight Fee (71 to 165 lb.) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights entirely within Hawaii | +$35 | +$70 |
| Domestic Flights Beyond Hawaii | +$50 | +$200 |
Musical instruments weighing more than 165 pounds (74.5 kilograms) will not be accepted for check in.
Restricted Items
The following list are typical items restricted from checked baggage. For a more exhaustive list, please refer to TSA’s website.
- Alcohol having more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof)
- Camping equipment including stoves and fuel containers
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices (allowed in carry-on baggage)
- Hoverboards
- Ice
- Lighters and matches (allowed in carry-on baggage, with restrictions)
- Lithium batteries that have been recalled
- Smart bags with non-removable batteries
Delayed and Damaged Baggage
Delayed Baggage
Delayed baggage is a frustrating experience that can disrupt your travel plans. If your baggage is delayed on a Hawaiian Airlines flight, you must report it to the Hawaiian Airlines baggage service office at the airport or online via the airline’s website. This should be done within 4 hours of your flight’s arrival. The airline will then initiate a tracing process to locate your baggage.
The airline will make every effort to return your delayed baggage to you within 24 hours of your flight’s arrival. If your baggage is not located within 24 hours, the airline will continue to search for your baggage for up to five days. During this time, the airline will provide you with updates on the status of your baggage.
If your baggage is located within five days of your flight’s arrival, the airline will deliver it to you at no cost. However, if your baggage is not located after five days, Hawaiian Airlines will reimburse you for the reasonable expenses you incur due to the delay.
Damaged Baggage
If your baggage is damaged during a Hawaiian Airlines flight, you should report it to the airline’s baggage service office at the airport. This should be done within 4 hours of your flight’s arrival. The airline will then assess the damage and determine the appropriate compensation.
The airline is liable for any damage to your baggage that occurs during the flight or while in the airline’s custody. The airline will either repair or replace the damaged item or offer you compensation.
If your baggage is damaged beyond repair, Hawaiian Airlines will replace it with a similar item or provide you with a cash settlement based on the depreciated value of the item. The airline will also reimburse you for any reasonable expenses you incur as a result of the damage, such as replacement clothing or toiletries.
Reporting Baggage Issues at a Partner Baggage Counter
If you have a baggage issue after having arrived at one of the following airports, you can contact a Hawaiian Airlines partner’s baggage counter to file your report:
| Airport | Partner Airline |
|---|---|
| Boston Logan International Airport, Massachusetts (BOS) | Swissport |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York | JetBlue |
| Orlando International Airport, Florida (MCO) | Menzies |
Central Baggage Services Office
Here are the contact details for Hawaiian Airlines’ Central Baggage Services Office:
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 808-835-3466
- Mail: P.O. Box 30008, Honolulu, HI 96820
The office is open 8:00AM to 4:30PM HST, seven days a week.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Airline’s baggage policy is similar to Alaska Airlines, with respect to how straightforward it is. Firstly, both carry-on items are included with your fare. However, it should be noted that Hawaiian does impose a 25-pound weight limit on your carry-on bag.
I like that the airline offers cheaper fees when flying within the Hawaiian Islands (Alaska Airlines does the same with its respective state).
I also like that their baggage fees are simple and transparent. Many other airlines provide a baggage tool to find the baggage fees for an itinerary. This is very inconvenient when planning your flight.
The rest of its baggage policy is standard for the industry – excess baggage fees are what you would normally expect.
I don’t mean to harp on about the comparison with Alaska Airlines, but Hawaiian Airlines’ website is extremely easy to navigate and find the information you’re looking for. Not as overwhelming as legacy carriers, yet not as scant as many of the low-cost airlines.
Remember to always check Hawaiian Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
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